Longwood/Lake Mary and Apopka are all very nice areas ... however they are on the other side of the city from MCO...That is where the good ole florida SUNPASS (DOT TOLL EPASS) helps alot. Turnpike or GreenWay to to MCO no problems. Orlando is great everything is kinda of shiny and in some cases a little too much in the direction of surburban nightmares. Avoid Lakeland and in many cases Southern Volusia County (Deltona is cheap and you get what you pay for.) save your money and get a little place(seaside crashpad) on the side up the coast in St. Augustine, Ormond Beach or even New Smyrna and then you will know my pick of Florida. just some ideas from the northern side of the city.